OHCHR Ends Two Days Business and Human Rights Workshop

-Pledges Support To Gov’t’s Human Rights Related Programs

The Office of the High commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia has re-emphasized its support to the promotion and protection of human rights issues of the pro poor government.

Uchenna Emelonye speaking at the close of a two-day Business and Human Right workshop said his office will work with the government to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of people across Liberia is observed, but was quick to mention that he will be a voice to speak for the ordinary people when it is necessary to do so.

“I will speak on what the government needs to hear not what they want to hear,” he uttered.

According to him, one of the best ways to effectively promote human rights related issues is to have a strong network that will collaborate in a move to foster one goal.

In said regard, he encouraged civil society actors to work in one accord, form proper partnerships and hold government accountable on issue that needs to be addressed.

The two days Business and Human Rights session first of its kind under the new mandate of the UN Human Right office in Liberia brought together civil society leaders from Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado Counties, Lawyers, Relevant government officials and among others to brainstorm and dialogue on how to identify the necessary Business and human rights workable framework that will help squarely promote and protect the rights of people across the Country.

According to Emelonye, it is time that the government considered putting the primary interest of the poor people first then the already established ones.

He said it’s better to put first procedural gains that will highlight human rights and dignity than financial gains at the detriment of the poor people.

It is expected going forward that the relevant agencies of government will now work hard to formulate programs and policies that will benefit the people and to as well craft the business and human right framework for the country.